Quick Guide Quick Guide to theto the

2015 AP 2015 AP Biology ExamBiology Exam

Basic InfoBasic InfoSection I: 90 minutes for 63 multiple-choice + 6 grid-

in questionso 50% of total score

Section II: Free-Response Questionso 10 minute reading period to read/plan answerso 80 minutes to write:

• 2 Long Free Response questions (~20 min each)• 6 Short Free Response questions (~6 min each)

o 50% of total score

ContentContentBig Ideas:1.Evolution

2.Cellular Processes: Energy & Communication

3.Genetics & Information Transfer

4. Interactions

Section I: Multiple-Choice & Grid-In Section I: Multiple-Choice & Grid-In

QuestionsQuestions

Multiple Choice (63 questions)Essential Knowledge + Science PracticeRequires more reading than in previous

exams (paragraphs, diagrams, data analysis)

Grid-In (6 questions)Integrate science and math skillsCalculate correct answer and bubble in the

gridBring a four-function calculator (with square

root) to use on the examA formula list will be provided for the exam

Essential Knowledge + Science Essential Knowledge + Science

PracticePractice• Essential Knowledge 2.B.3:

o Eukaryotic cells maintain internal membranes that partition the cell into specialized regions.

• Science Practice 6.2:o The student can construct explanations of phenomena based on evidence

produced through scientific practices.

• Learning Objective 2.13:o The student is able to explain how internal membranes and organelles contribute

to cell functions.

Sample Multiple-ChoiceSample Multiple-ChoiceMembrane-bound organelles have been an important component in the evolution of complex, multicellular organisms. Which of the following best summarizes an advantage of eukaryotic cells having internal membranes?A.Eukaryotic cells are able to reproduce faster because of the presence of organelles.B.Some organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, are similar to prokaryotic cells in structure.C.Organelles isolate specific reactions, increasing metabolic efficiency.D.Compartmentalization leads to a higher mutation rate in DNA, which leads to more new species.

Sample Grid-InSample Grid-In• In a certain species of flowering plant,

the purple allele P is dominant to the yellow allele p.

• A student performed a cross between a purple-flowered plant and a yellow-flowered plant. When planted, the 146 seeds that were produced from the cross matured into 87 plants with purple flowers and 59 plants with yellow flowers.

• Calculate the chi-squared value for the null hypothesis that the purple-flowered parents was heterozygous for the flower-color gene. Give your answer to the nearest tenth.

Multiple-Choice StrategiesMultiple-Choice Strategies• Pacing is important! Give yourself about 1 min. per

multiple-choice and about 3 min. per grid-in.• NO penalty for guessing!! NO penalty for guessing!! Answer every Answer every

questionquestion..• If calculations are required and more time is needed,

skip it and come back to it later. (Make a mark in test booklet next to question to answer later.) Do the same with questions you can’t answer.

• Lab-set questions are tedious. Skip the diagram/data, skim the question first, then go back to the diagram/data to seek the information.

• Underline key words such as NOT or EXCEPT.

Multiple-Choice StrategiesMultiple-Choice Strategies• Read each answer choice before making a final

selection.• Use process of elimination! Cross out letters of

incorrect choices in test booklet. Narrow it down.• If you absolutely don’t know it, GUESS! Don’t leave

anything blank!• If you finish early, go back over as many items as

possible to catch careless errors.

Free-Response QuestionsFree-Response Questions

• During 10-minute reading period:o Skim each questiono Identify which is easiest hardestoOrganize thoughts and outline essays on

sheet provided• Circle or underline KEY WORDS• Be sure to address each directive listed. (eg.

analyze, compare, contrast, describe, design, explain)

Free-Response QuestionsFree-Response Questions• If there are several parts, answer in sequence.• Write an essay! No bullet points or outlines.• Diagrams: Label them!• Calculations: Show your work and each step!

Remember UNITS.• “Buzz words”: Define or describe them!• If you can’t remember a term, describe/define it.• Don’t leave any part of essay blank. Each point

is worth 2X a multiple-choice point.• If time allows, proofread your essays!• Be kind to Readers: use good handwriting

On test day:On test day:Arrive early! (30 minutes before start time.)Eat a good, nutritious breakfast!!Bring a photo ID.2+ sharpened #2 pencils + clean eraser2 black/dark blue ballpoint pens for essayBring a watch.Bring a calculator. (4-function w/square root)Also, NO books, notes, laptops, cameras, cell

phones

College Board Comments about the College Board Comments about the

new AP Biology Exam (2013)new AP Biology Exam (2013)• AP Biology grid-in questions require students to use

mathematics to solve biological problems. The avg score on these was very low: 36%.

• Multiple-choice: last year, students earned 63% correct on average; this year, 61%

• FRQs require students to "explain," "describe," "justify" their content knowledge. Very low scores on avg.